Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Wednesday dismissed criticism of the planned Police Day celebration.

He told the SABC that people should not be looking at the event's price tag, rather they should look at its effect on police officers.

"There's nothing as worthwhile as boosting the morale of these men and women and anyone, anywhere, who would say that if we invest in ensuring that we boost these people so that are ready to go out and fight crime, [that] we are wasting money, they will talk until they are blue in their faces," he told the broadcaster.

Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Barnard reiterated the party's concern on the "waste of time and money" that would "potentially put ordinary South Africans at risk" and called for the release of the cost.

"The Constitution provides that the objects of the police service are to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, to protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property, and to uphold and enforce the law.

"It is completely unclear how Friday's event will aid any of these objectives," she said in a statement.

Police Commissioner Bheki Cele's spokesperson Nonkululeko Mbatha on Monday said the budget for the event would be made available "in due course".

Mbatha said it would be a one-day event and that 50 000 police officers would be brought to Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein by trains and buses.

Contacted again on Wednesday, Mbatha said she would not comment immediately.